Compound Series (Abstract Reasoning)
fig 1. A typical compound series example
The Compound Series test identifies the ability to solve problems from first principles.
It takes 30 minutes to complete and offers a powerful alternative to other more commonly used tests of
general intelligence.
Applications
The Compound Series Test is a measure of the basic capacity to understand. This test is used in all forms of general selection, as a general measure of intellectual power. It is used in many different contexts including the selection of administrative personnel or as a pre-selection tool for some schools.
Items
The Compound Series Test utilises an item type which resembles a string of beads (as above). The beads vary in terms of shape, size and colour and are arranged in a pattern series. Candidates choose the two beads that are required to continue the pattern from a choice of 8 different beads. The items do not involve significant verbal, numerical or perceptual processes. The items have also been specifically designed so as not to disadvantage colour blind candidates.
Materials
The Compound Series Test is a paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets.
Materials available:
- Question book (re-usable, sold individually).
- Compound Series Manual.
- Scoring keys (Plastic overlays).
- Answer Sheets (sold in packs of 10).
Administration
The performance time is 30 minutes plus 5 minutes instruction time.
Age
The ability tests are suitable for those aged 15 years to Adult.
Range
The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Scoring
All the tests are hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpetation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Ordering
Materials are supplied ex-stock and orders received before 3:00pm will be despatched on the same day.
Benefits of using Morrisby Ability Tests
- Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates abilities.
- Well established, BPS registered measures of core abilities.
- Useful as preliminary screening tests.
Training
The Morrisby ability tests are available to those
who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of
Competence in Occupational Testing (Level-A).
Morrisby General Ability Tests (GATs)
The three Morrisby General Ability Tests can be used separately or as a unit. They have been designed to assess Verbal, Numerical and Perceptual Potential, rather than attainment, so they are not intended to assess acquired knowledge like mathematical formulae or the possession of a wide and complex vocabulary.
The General Ability Tests are intended to establish how well individuals can manipulate words, numbers and pictured viaual symbols and where their greatest strengths lie.
General Ability: Verbal (GAT-V)
The test measures a candidate's level of skill in communicating and ability to manipulate and understand words. It is composed of two sub-tests which examine the candidate's insight into the meaning of words.
fig 2. A typical GAT-V question
General Ability: Numerical (GAT-N)
This test examines the ability to manipulate figures and perceive relationships between them, and is a useful predictor of potential skill in mathematics and data handling. It requires no mathematical skills beyond a very basic knowledge of simple arithmetic.
fig 3. A typical GAT-N question
General Ability: Perceptual (GAT-P)
This test assesses the candidate's ability to deal with "real" objects rather than verbal or numerical concepts. It tests the ability to manipulate and perceive the relationships between two-dimensional figures. This is closely related to the effective use of diagrams and graphics; important factors in much scientific and design work, as well as engineering.
fig 4. A typical GAT-P question
Applications
The three GATs relate to a type of learning ability; that of remembering verbal, numerical and perceptual symbols associated with conceptual knowledge. The three tests measure the base parameters of this part of the intellectual structure, which confers the ability to memorise, manipulate and utilise such conceptual knowledge. As such, the tests are therefore useful in all forms of general selection.
Items
GAT-Verbal: Identifies the potential ability to use ideas and concepts expressed in words – it does not directly measure knowledge of English. Vocabulary is weighted less than the insight into verbal relationships.
GAT-Numerical: Measures the mental capacity for interpreting experience, ideas and concepts quantitatively. The tests are weighted towards an insight into numerical relationships and away from a facility for arithmetic.
GAT-Perceptual: Measures the mental function which experiences the world in terms of direct observations and representations, such as charts, pictures, diagrams and so on.
Materials
The General Ability Tests are paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets.
Materials available:
- Combined Question Book (re-usable, sold individually, includes Verbal, Numerical and Perceptual tests).
- General Ability Tests Manual.
- Scoring keys (Plastic overlays). Sold individually or as a pack including the 3 tests.
- Answer Sheets (sold in packs of 10).
Administration
Performance times:
- GAT – Verbal: 16 minutes
- GAT - Numerical: 24 minutes
- GAT – Perceptual: 20 minutes
The time to take the entire GAT is 1 hour, with total administration time between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on group size.
Age
The ability tests are suitable for those aged 15 years to Adult.
Range
The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Scoring
All the tests are hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpetation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Ordering
Materials are supplied ex-stock and orders received before 3:00pm will be despatched on the same day.
Benefits of using Morrisby Ability Tests
- Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates abilities.
- Well established, BPS registered measures of core abilities.
- Can be used to form a short test battery.
- Useful as preliminary screening tests.
Training
The Morrisby ability tests are available to those
who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of
Competence in Occupational Testing (Level-A).
Shapes
The Morrisby Shapes Test is designed to measure spatial ability, specifically the ability to mentally 'manipulate' a two-dimensional figure and to rotate it in three dimensions.
Application
fig 5. A typical shapes test answer sheet
This type of ability is particularly useful for designers, architects, electricians and others who work with diagrams and schematics. This facility is therefore also useful in occupations or activities where visual-spatial skills are important, such as in draughting, engineering, and any situation involving an appreciation of dimensional plans, diagrams or flow-diagrams.
Items
The Spatial Test presents items in the form of asymmetrical shapes displayed vertically in three positions. The candidate chooses the one position which shows the reverse side, i.e. the shape turned or ‘flipped’ over, so that the reverse side is showing.
Materials
The Shapes Test is a paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets.
Materials available:
- Question book (re-usable, sold individually).
- Shapes Test Manual.
- Scoring keys (Plastic overlays).
- Answer Sheets (sold in packs of 10).
Administration
- Performance time: 10 minutes
- Instruction time: 5 minutes
Age
The ability tests are suitable for those aged 15 years to Adult.
Range
The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Scoring
All the tests are hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpetation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Ordering
Materials are supplied ex-stock and orders received before 3:00pm will be despatched on the same day.
Benefits of using Morrisby Ability Tests
- Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates abilities.
- Well established, BPS registered measures of core abilities.
- Can be used to form a short test battery.
- Useful as preliminary screening tests.
Training
The Morrisby ability tests are available to those
who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of
Competence in Occupational Testing (Level-A).
Mechanical
This test measures 'natural' mechanical ability with each item consisting of an illustrated mechanical principal. No formal knowledge of physics or mechanics is required. Mechanical ability is useful in engineering, construction and similar occupations.
fig 6. A typical mechanical question
Application
The MAT is designed to measure the ability to appreciate and solve basic mechanical problems. It does not rely on specialist knowledge; but the items do require the ability to solve straight-forward problems, which may be aided by an experiential understanding of physical and mechanical laws and relationships. This test is most often used for selecting technicians and for apprenticeship selection within the engineering sector.
Items
The Mechanical Ability Test presents diagrammatic/visual representations of basic mechanical principles. The candidate chooses what he or she considers to be the best answer from five possibilities presented next to the diagrams. As the test items do not demand a special knowledge of engineering or physics the test measures what can be termed "natural mechanical aptitude".
Materials
The Mechanical Ability Test is a paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets.
Materials available:
- Question book (re-usable, sold individually).
- Mechanical Ability Test Manual.
- Scoring keys (Plastic overlays).
- Answer Sheets (sold in packs of 10).
Administration
- Performance time: 15 minutes
- Instruction time: 5 minutes
Age
The ability tests are suitable for those aged 15 years to Adult.
Range
The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Scoring
All the tests are hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpetation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Ordering
Materials are supplied ex-stock and orders received before 3:00pm will be despatched on the same day.
Benefits of using Morrisby Ability Tests
- Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates abilities.
- Well established, BPS registered measures of core abilities.
- Can be used to form a short test battery.
- Useful as preliminary screening tests.
Training
The Morrisby ability tests are available to those
who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of
Competence in Occupational Testing (Level-A).